The Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) has presented awards to six of the industry’s most talented young people.

The presentations took place at the luncheon which followed this year’s annual general meetings of the B&ES’ specialist groups, held at Trinity House in London.

Jordan Youngs, of Hargreaves Ductwork, Bury, Lancashire, was named Harry Hobbs Ductwork Trainee of the Year.

Alfie Steadman, of JS Wright & Co, Aston, Birmingham, secured the Craft Trainee of the Year Award sponsored by the Association’s Heating & Plumbing Services Group.

The Award for Excellence in refrigeration and air conditioning – presented in memory of Harry Decker – went to Robert Turner of Crowther & Shaw, based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

The Service & Facilities Group’s Richard Bostel Service Technician of the Year Award was won by Lee Bland of Swiftclean (UK), Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

Also presented during the event was the Alfred Manly Management Award – which celebrates the achievements of young engineers who have been judged to be capable of progressing to a senior management role – to Shane Trevitt of national contractor NG Bailey. In addition, the Ann Noblett Professional Engineer of the Year Award – which is open to individuals who are working towards membership of an appropriate chartered professional body – went to Kayley Lockhead, also of NG Bailey.

The awards were presented by Cabinet minister-turned-broadcaster Michael Portillo, who was guest speaker at the event.

During the Ductwork Group annual general meeting, Tim Hopkinson of Hargreaves was elected chairman in succession to Bob Lane of Roperhurst and Joanna Robinson of Mansfield Pollard was elected vice chairman.

In his keynote address, B&ES president Andy Sneyd reminded his audience of 'the pressing need not only to cope with change, but to embrace it', and to be 'prepared at all times to keep up with technological innovation, and to adapt to the developing demands of the supply chain'.

He added that it was the overriding aim and purpose of the association to ensure that its members were ever open to 'new ideas and new ways of working' and that the expertise and professionalism they brought to the construction process met 'the increasing demands and expectations of clients'.

'The recently-formed group strategic and operational board is ensuring that the advice, guidance and support we provide to members remains relevant to their business needs – and our Competence Assessment Scheme is subject to ongoing review, to ensure not only that its criteria remain appropriately rigorous, but that they reflect all aspects of industry best practice,' the president pointed out.

Mr Sneyd also highlighted recent achievements of the specialist groups.